Forgotten Naughtiness

Emmett was sick all weekend. Like, miserably sick. Like, make-us-all-miserable sick. Just a virus, of course, nothing too serious. Fever and pain mostly. He said, "tummy hurt!" a lot and whenever he tried to eat or drink anything he said, "hurt!" Which means he didn't really eat or drink anything for several days. I think that saved us from the vomiting and diarrhea the doctor said he would have. We literally pinned him down and poured medicine down him a dozen times or so and just held him while he cried during half the night. He seems to be feeling much better today.

Let's hear it for my wonderful husband, who stayed home to help on Thur. and Fri. and then did more than his fair share all weekend. He was really excited to go back to work today and escape the craziness!

But before I forget to document another event...

Early last week I tried to feed the boys dinner and instead of eating Alden informed me that he and Emmett were ready for bed. So we got jammas on, read books, and said prayers. And I locked them in. They weren't quiet long, of course, but I was nursing the baby and didn't hear anyone getting hurt so I ignored it. When Aaron got home he went to check on them and immediately screamed for me.

Emmett had pulled down everything from the top of his dresser (a recent fave) and smeared an entire tube of Desitin all over himself. His face was covered and it was in his eyes. His hair was plastered with the stuff. We though Alden had done it at first, but realized his hands were clean, literally. Aaron threw Emmy in the tub and scrubbed him hard about five times with Emmett screaming. But he still smelled like Desitin for days. And no, we didn't take pictures. Darn it!

Go D-backs

Aaron & I have been enjoying some adult time lately. Saturday we went to dinner and then walked around Mill Ave. for a while. We stayed out until 10:30! And last night we went to the Diamondbacks game. We have been huge fans since the beginning, and 2008 is the 10 Year Anniversary. We've had a lot of memorable dates at the ballpark.

Go D-backs! They won last night and have a 15-5 record, the best in the major leagues. When they go to the World Series this year we have to get tickets. We missed out last time and vowed to not let that happen again. Anybody out there have connections?

Midnight Monster

Does this look like the face of a monster? We often call Emmett a monster, or a monkey, or a crazy kiddo. I woke up at 4am to the baby crying, which is normal - he was hungry. I sat up, stretched, searched for my slippers, took my time. But as soon as I left my room I realized the door was open to Emmett's room and I tore around the corner to find...

Emmett sitting in Roland's crib. I couldn't see what was going on since it was dark & I was groggy, but I thought Emmett was sitting on him. But when I tried to pull him out, I realized he was holding Roland and trying to pick him up to throw him out of the crib. Nice.

We've been having problems lately with Emmett picking the baby up and have been lucky so far not to have any serious incidents. But it looks like I'm going to have to lock the baby in his room from now on. Oh, the joys of three boys!

Laughter is the Best Medicine

I forgot to mention that Roley laughed for the first time this week, on Monday, April 14th. I have to make sure I get the date down here since I haven't started filling out his baby book yet. I've been blessed to hear Roland's cute little chuckle a few times this week and love it! I am trying to appreciate all the sweet moments and forget about the crying jags and middle-of-the-night feedings. He seems to be most amused while on his changing table looking at his mobile full of animals, whom we call "his friends." Here he is in the walker, with his cute little feet dangling a foot off the ground. We're still using it occasionally though, because he likes to sit straight up to look around. I just stuff a big beach towel in to keep him secure and give him something soft to bang his face into when his neck stregth gives out. Obviously it only works for like 5 minutes at a time.

FHE at the Rolls

My parents pull all their family together once a month for a big family home evening. We're supposed to take turns hosting, but the rest of us are slackers and my parents end up doing most of the work. This month they got their quads all tuned up and invited us for a BBQ in the desert. This place is called the Rolls because of all the fun riding terrain, rolling you up and down. Here are my cute boys when we first got there - nice and clean. You can see the light progression in the pictures - and the dirt quotient too.

Here are some shots after the delicious dinner. Emmett was filthy because we never cleaned the ketchup and food from his hands and face and the dirt just stuck to it like muddy glue. So fun! Isn't my Mom beautiful? She was a big help with Roland (so I could assemble their BBQ and then chase Emmett). Notice the Baby Bjorn is all wet. Turns out Roley is taking after Alden in the drooling department. Nice.

We missed Tami & her family, though it was nice not having to share the quads with as many people. We still wish they had come. But we were very happy to see my cousin Preston & his family. Melanie has become like another daughter for my parents and like a sister for Tami & I. We just wish they hadn't moved out to Florence (seriously) and that we got to see them more often. Alden worships Bradley and Emmett loves playing with Carter and Jackson. Mel & I are hoping to get together in the next couple weeks. She's gorgeous and fits in better with my family than I do. We all love her! Oh, and Preston's not too bad either.

Seven Years of Smooching

Aaron and I were talking in the car today about how our seven year wedding anniversary is coming up in August. Then we realized that today is the anniversary of our first kiss - it was Friday, April 13, 2001. Happy Kissiversary, Honey! I love you.

Happy Hundred!

I've seen a few blogs recently that did a post of 100 things about themselves for the 100th post on their blog. And I happened to notice I was at 95 posts at the time so I've been coming up with things in my head for the past week or two. I was also tagged for a meme by my friend Michele. Having never been chosen before I got that same thrill as I used to when I was picked for something on the playground. I always think memes are kind of silly, especially the passing of them like those cheesy internet stories forwarded by e-mail. But that was before someone chose me! So I will do Michele's meme as the first part of my 100. And I'm choosing to write about my whole family, rather than just me. And you're welcome for that.

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
   Wow, I’m trying to remember that far back. The Spring of 1998 I had my heart broken and dropped out of several classes, which necessitated my return to BYU in the fall of 2000 to finish my degree. Totally his fault.


2. Five Things on my To-Do List Today (I’m counting each thing as one of my 100) – Laundry


3. Make a list of all PVC parts needed to build our sprinkler system


4. Call and get out of jury duty


5. Pay various bills related to Roland’s birth


6. Take the kids on a walk


7. The snacks I enjoy
   Baked goods – cakes, cookies, brownies, etc. I love chocolate, but prefer it in a cake or cookie over a candy bar. Love ice cream too – but not necessarily with my baked treats.


8. What would I do if I suddenly became a billionaire?
   GO SHOPPING – I love to shop and if I became a billionaire I would spend shameless amounts of money on our wardrobes. I would immediately hit a fancy mall and buy some clothes from the fancy stores I’m too scared to go in now. Eventually I would redo our house with all the attention to detail I can’t afford now, and pay someone to keep it clean all the time. Then buy houses in Europe, Eastern US, Washington/Oregon coast, and Northern AZ. We would travel a lot and always eat at the best restaurants. And you know, all that investment and savings stuff. And I suppose something helpful for my church, family, friends.


9. Three bad habits – The need to have dessert every night – see #7.


10. Biting my fingers on the sides of my nails – is that part of your cuticle?


11. Blogging and playing on the computer before my housework is done.


12. Five places I’ve lived – Born in Mesa, AZ


13. Left for BYU in Provo, UT at age 17


14. I did a brief stint at an apartment in Phoenix during ‘99/2000


15. I lived with my friends, Lori & Blake, in Lindon, UT while I finished my last semester at BYU.


16. Aaron & I moved our family to St. Petersburg, FL for 11 months in ‘05/’06


17. Then back to Mesa again.


18. Five jobs I’ve had – Kirby Vacuums, telemarketing


19. BYU Moving Crew


20. TA for O-Chem lab at BYU


21. Manager at an agricultural lab


22. Mother – the toughest job you’ll ever love


23. Five Things People Don’t Know About Me – I was born with a large birthmark in the middle of my forehead. My Dad called me Spot and whistled for me like a dog. I had it removed at age 10.


24. I was engaged twice before dating Aaron.


25. I subscribe to seven magazines but sometimes don’t get one issue read until the next month’s comes. This phenomenon has only been in the last six months – hmmm, wonder why?


26. I installed all of the new flooring in our house by myself. (I had a little help, but those people never read my blog!)


27. I hate for anyone to be touching me while I sleep. This includes husbands and small boys that I enjoy snuggling with while awake.


28. So – on to the rest of the 100 things about us Carpenters
    Aaron & I were both born in Mesa, at Desert Samaritan Hospital, 6 weeks apart. Him first.


29. Alden was born at the same hospital.


30. Aaron has 7 older siblings, and 2 younger sisters.


31. I’m the oldest of 4 girls.


32. Aaron & I met in preschool. Neither of us has a recollection of it, but we did find this picture of us sitting next to each other. I’m the witch and he’s the ghost. Both our younger sisters are in this picture too.


33. Aaron had a finger shut in a door at age 2 & still has a deformity – okay, maybe that’s too strong a word. It’s on his left ring finger, which was bad for wedding photos.


34. I broke my arm at age 9, which was extra bad because it was the summer (no swimming)


35. Aaron & I met at Youth Conference for our Stake when we were 16.


36. Our first date was the opening night of Jurassic Park.


37. I was scared and held Aaron’s hand – very tightly!


38. Aaron was a year behind me in school, even though he’s older


39. We went to prom together, his.


40. Aaron served in the Washington Tacoma mission.


41. I graduated from BYU with a BA in Chemistry Education.


42. I’m still friends with several of my lab partners.


43. I did my student teaching at Mt. View HS in Mesa, AZ but never actually looked for a real teaching job.


44. Instead I worked for a small agricultural lab, and then managed it.


45. I’m hoping to get a Masters in Chemistry someday (when the boys are in school) and be able to teach at a community college.


46. Aaron graduated from ASU with a BS in Information Systems, then a Masters in Accountancy & Information Systems


47. He’s had 5 jobs already.


48. Aaron currently works for the State of Arizona, Department of Health Services


49. Aaron & I were married in the Mesa, AZ Temple on August 10, 2001.


50. We have lived in the same house ever since we got married, except for the 11 months we were in Florida (we rented it out).


51. It’s the house directly behind the one Aaron grew up in that his parents built. His grandparents built our house.


52. We’ve remodeled it extensively and have plans to expand in 5 years or so. We just might stay here forever.


53. Aaron & I spent a wonderful week in Vancouver, Canada about 2 months before Alden was born. Our best vacation yet.


54. Alden was born Sept. 10, 2004, three years after we were married, four months after Aaron graduated, and one month after Aaron got a job.


55. Alden cut his first two teeth at three months old. Not good for nursing.


56. Alden loves Transformers, dinosaurs, and Scooby Doo. And Star Wars but we don’t let him watch them anymore because it makes him too violent.


57. Emmett was born 20 months after his brother, May 10, 2006 – in St. Petersburg, FL.


58. He is a monkey.


59. We love him anyway.


60. Emmett loves his blanket and bothering his big brother.


61. Roland was born 20 ½ months after Emmett, January 30, 2008.


62. I like to read, although I don’t spend as much time on it anymore. See this post for my favorites.


63. I like to play softball, although I haven’t played in a few years now. Hoping they’ll have women’s softball at church before long.


64. We lived in St. Petersburg, Florida for just under a year. We had season passes to Disneyworld and hit the beach frequently.


65. We also made road trips to Atlanta, for a work conference, and South Carolina, to visit Aaron’s sister & family.


66. We made some lifelong friends there, who happen to be bloggers too. See here and here.


67. We love and support the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Phoenix Suns.


68. Aaron is a huge ASU fan


69. All the boys have ASU Sparky outfits


70. Aaron is hobby-deficient even though Santa Claus brought him some golf clubs for Christmas (go figure)


71. Our favorite non-human family member was Brittney the dog. She lived with Aaron for a year before we got married and lived with us until last summer.


72. Our Bishop calls our boys the “clones” because they all have blond hair and look alike, especially when their mom dresses them in matching outfits.


73. Tara had a great high school GPA, Aaron had a great college GPA. Guess who makes all the $ now.


74. Aaron’s favorite band is Live


75. Tara’s favorite band in Junior High was Air Supply. Now she likes country music and expanding her horizons musically.


76. Tara’s nickname is Tare Bear. She slept with a stuffed teddy bear for 12 years before Aaron banished him from the bed (too much competition).


77. In high school my nickname was Tarable. I still use it for my blogger ID and many other things.


78. Aaron has a few nicknames: Roscoe (from youth conference), Bear, Sport, Charlie Brown (parents); Man (Candice); Ron (g-pa & brother Joe); and his favorite: Dadda (Alden, Emmett, & Roland)


79. Alden’s nickname is Alden Bear, even though it’s longer. Emmett calls him Aldy.


80. Emmett’s nickname is Emmy.


81. Roland goes by Roley often. Or The Baby.


82. I like to watch tv. Favorites include Law & Order, CSI, House, America’s Next Top Model, and recent favorites, American Idol, Project Runway, and So You Think You Can Dance.


83. Aaron likes to watch sports.


84. Aaron and I love to eat out together and are always game to try a new ethnic restaurant. When we travel our food bills are always the biggest expense.


85. We once spent $350 on one dinner for the two of us. It was awesome!


86. My favorite foods are pancakes and foie gras. Not together.


87. Aaron’s favorite foods are pho, chocolate truffles, and popcorn.


88. The boys love hot dogs and fish sticks. We’re working on expanding their palates.


89. My favorite drink is Mountain Dew. I actually prefer the caffeine-free kind, but you can only get it in a few places, like Utah. Last summer we brought home 6 boxes (of 12 cans) and I made it last until Roland was born. When the Johnsons visited us during Spring Break this year Shannon brought me 5 boxes. I am currently looking for my next transporter.


90. I love make-up, especially lip products, even though my face rarely gets done on a daily basis.


91. Alden loves playing on the computer and is very proficient for a 3 ½ year old. He can log in to his profile by himself, typing his own password.


92. Emmett skips when he runs.


93. Emmett has the cutest gap between his front teeth.


94. Roland has a dimple on the right side of his smile.


95. Our boy’s names all fit a rigid criteria: between 700 and 1000 on the most popular names of the last ten years, top 100 during the 1920s, 2 syllables, and must belong only to old grandpas.


96. I love DIY projects and tools. I love to learn new handy kinds of things.


97. I love shopping (and spending money). Aaron tries his best to hold me back.


98. Often I just love buying things, even if I have to return them later.


99. Alden was the drooliest baby ever! Wait, he still is – it’s gross.


100. Aaron is the best Daddy! He stays with those babies even when they’re fussy and eventually gets them calmed down.
     
     You can tell we were really reaching for ideas there at the end. Thanks for sticking in there (for those of you who read all 100 things). We’ll try to keep it more interesting from here on out.

WFMW: Cooking Software

A couple years ago I decided to organize my recipe collection, which consisted of a box of 3x5 notecards, a 3 ring binder with recipes in sheet protectors and like 20 stuck in the front, and a shelf-full of cookbooks. I had tried the 3 ring binder idea but it wasn't working for me. Then I heard or read about software that can organize your recipes and help you with other responsibilities related to cooking. When I searched online I was suprised to find so many different software programs out there. After some research and for me, serious budget restrictions, I bought myself Home Cookin for my birthday.

This program has all the features I was looking for: recipes, menu planning calendar, grocery list, and adequate search features throughout. Other programs were much fancier but were double or triple the $30 pricetag of Home Cookin. You can even download a trial version.

I love the grocery list, which came pre-programmed with like 850 items but is still easily edited for your personal needs. My computer is in my kitchen and is always on, so it's easy to step over and add something to the list whenever I'm out. And I have organized it to print out in the order I shope the aisles of my supermarket. Pretty slick.

The menu planning calendar is okay - I use it but could probably just write everything down on our white board like Aaron wants me to everyweek. (Check out my last post about adding our menu to this blog.) The good thing about the calendar is being able to see the things I've made in the past and how long it's been since I made a certain dish.

The recipe interface is fine - holds all my recipes and even pictures of the dishes. You can create different chapters in your "cookbook" and search by title or ingredient. The only downside is you have to put all the recipes in, which makes for a lot of data entry, or if you're lucky - cutting and pasting. I try to put a recipe in when I make it for the first time (since getting the software). And have spent a little time putting in random recipes from my crazy collection. It's nice having them all in one place and I even bring the laptop to the kitchen counter with me sometimes and cook right from there.

And the customer service is great. I recently got a new computer and moved the software over without any problems. But the first time I tried to print my grocery list it wouldn't work and I e-mailed the guy/creator/troubleshooter. It's a one man show I think. And he e-mailed me back only a few hours later to fix the problem. Now that's rare.

So, although there are fancier versions, Home Cookin works for me! For more Works for Me Wednesday tips, visit Shannon's blog at Rocks in My Dryer.

Menu Planning

My friend Michele started doing something new on her blog - she lists her menu for the week on her sidebar. I think this is a great idea! It gives Aaron incentive to check our "family" blog, which he started. And it gives me incentive to actually make the things I planned for the week. I have been thinking about it for a month or so, but wasn't ready to start yet. I'm still getting used to three kids underfoot and at least half the time don't get to the dinner I had wanted. But, I'm gonna try harder now. I'm sure there will still be days that a revised dinner, or no dinner, ends up happening - but hopefully those will be fewer. I will plan for 5 or 6 dinners per week, leaving room for leftovers and bad days. I'll try to link to the recipe if it's from online somewhere. Maybe I can even come up with a way for readers to leave comments or share thoughts about my menu. The big thing to remember (Aaron)- It's called a menu plan. And even a bad plan is better than no plan.

I read an article in Cookie Magazine (a parenting mag) entitled, 30 Meals in 30 Days. In essence it was about our family. Aaron & I used to cook a lot, and loved to try new recipes - it was something we did together. Now I usually make separate meals for the kids, who will only eat like 4 things, and we all end up stuck in a rut palate-wise. This family experimented with 30 brand new recipes with the following plan:

To get the kids on board, we settled on a strategy I would describe as "extreme
enthusiasm." We spun the project as a Big Fun Experiment (!!!) with only one
rule: They had to try a single bite of something new every night. And if they
stopped at one bite? We had a plan for that, too: Every meal was
"deconstructable," built on at least one ingredient the girls already liked, so
they would always have something to eat.

The magazine showed a picture of all 30 plates - some very yummy looking ones I want to try. You can find the article and all the recipes online here.

I am planning to write about some menu-planning software this week for Works for Me Wednesday. Check back to read my post!

Preschool at the Zoo

On March 26th I took six little boys to the Phoenix Zoo. And yes, I had some help. My sweet Mom agreed to go with us. We had my three, and the three boys in Alden's co-op preschool. My Mom had to drive her car to take the other kids. We had a great time and the boys were all better than I could have imagined. Roley slept through the entire thing and we made Emmett stay in the stroller most of the time. The worst part was when a couple of the boys decided to dump their water bottles over each other's heads in the car on the way home. And I figure if that was the worst thing - it was a very successful trip!

Later that day Roland had his 8 week check-up -he's doing great.

He weighed 11 lbs 12 oz. So big!

I took all three boys to the doctor and they were pretty good. But you know how it is - the moment we walked in the door at home everything fell apart. Wow, must be 4 o'clock. The worst time for us is from 4-6 everyday. By the time Aaron got home I had grounded the boys to their beds (before Emmett learned to climb out) and I was sitting on the couch weeping, while I held Roland. Some days are just fun like that.

Dino Dishes

Look what I pulled out of my garbage disposal this week.

Hmmmm, the boys sure are big helpers.

I also once found a 6 inch die cast motorcycle
submerged in a mixing bowl full of water at the bottom of my sink.

P.S. Don't those strawberries look delicious? I made freezer jam with them.